Almost half of the admissions (116,361) were related to iron deficiency which, if left untreated, can increase a person’s risk of heart problems - including heart disease - as the muscle has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body.

Dr Steve Iley, medical director for Bupa, told HuffPost UK: “Your immune system needs iron to function properly, so it [iron deficiency] can make you more susceptible to bugs or illnesses.

“In some instances it’s also been known to cause complications during pregnancy.”

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

The body needs iron to make haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body. If there isn’t enough iron, a person’s red blood cells cannot work properly, meaning oxygen is not effectively moved around the body.

People can become deficient in iron if they lose a lot of blood, are not getting enough iron in their diet or their body is using more iron than usual - for example, if they are pregnant.

Symptoms

“The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are feelings of lethargy, weakness or dizziness,” explained Dr Iley.

Other symptoms that could be a sign of the deficiency include:

:: Shortness of breath

:: Heart palpitations

:: Pale skin

:: Headaches

:: Tinnitus

:: Feeling itchy

:: A sore tongue

:: Hair loss, especially when brushing or washing hair

:: Finding it hard to swallow

:: Ulcers in the corners of the mouth

:: Spoon-shaped nails

:: Restless leg syndrome

“It’s really important that you see your doctor about any concerns,” added Dr Iley.

Causes

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s really important to see a GP who can help diagnose the cause of your anaemia.

Dr Phillips told HuffPost UK: “Whilst the more efficient way to get iron in the diet is to include red meat, from which the iron is absorbed more effectively than plant-based sources, many plant foods provide iron.”

Teaming vitamin C-rich foods with plant-based sources of iron is also a winning formula, she explained, “as the vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron”. So having a glass of unsweetened orange juice alongside your meal, or having some extra salad or fruit, is definitely recommended.

Iron supplements can also provide a much-needed boost, however it’s worth noting there may be side-effects including constipation, abdominal pain or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, diarrhoea.

If this is the case, patients are advised to speak to their GP as they may need a different dose.